Patents by Inventor Frank C. Ratcliff

Frank C. Ratcliff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4400024
    Abstract: An earth boring bit has a nozzle assembly with a wedging retaining ring and a crushed O-ring seal. The nozzle is located in a passage in the drill bit and bears against a shoulder. The retaining ring is secured by threads into the passage to tighten the nozzle against the shoulder. The retaining ring has a bore with an upper rim that encircles a conical section in the bore. The retaining ring conical section mates with a conical section formed on the exterior of the nozzle. The two conical sections wedge the nozzle in place when the retaining ring is tightened. An O-ring is located between the nozzle conical section, the wall of the passage and the upper rim of the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventors: Frank C. Ratcliff, Edward M. Galle